Page 26 of Salt & Blood

“In training, many gods and goddesses overlook the usefulness of building endurance,” Gaia told her. “You were exhausted after transforming the throne room. But after training with me, I can make you so strong that you could transform the throne room three times in one day with no fatigue whatsoever.”

The idea had been so appealing that Prue’s determination had bolstered her onward. But it hadn’t lasted long. She’d forgotten how ruthless her mother could be. Growing up on Krenia, Gaia had always been harder on Prue—because Prue was reckless and rebellious. Mona, however, had always been a star pupil, eager to learn and dive into her studies.

But Prue had wanted more. Adventure. Romance. Excitement.

Well, she had certainly gotten her wish…

The thought was bitter as she created vines of roses and draped them along the walls of the throne room. Her hair was matted and tangled, sticking to the sweat on her face. She hadn’t bathed in days. She didn’t even knowwhatday it was.

Her thoughts were constantly on Cyrus. She hadn’t seen him since she’d offered him freedom.

Freedom from the Underworld.

From their marriage.

From anything to do with her.

She was a coward, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t bring herself to face him, not if his answer would be,Yes, I would be happy to leave and part ways from you forever.

“Excellent,” Gaia said, jolting Prue from the misery of her thoughts. “Now, transform those rose vines into jasmine.”

Prue said nothing, her hand automatically moving, fingertips fluttering over rose petals as she effortlessly changed each flower. The deep red velvety flower shrank to the tiny white sprouts of jasmine, the scent filling the room and tickling her nostrils.

“The grass at your feet,” Gaia said. “Change it to soil.”

Prue wordlessly obeyed. More sweat trickled down her face and neck, but she ignored it as she worked, immersing herself in her training, letting her thoughts dissolve into nothingness.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed before Gaia stood before her with a frown on her face. Prue’s hands remained outstretched, waiting for the next command.

“Prudence,” Gaia said. The impatience in her tone told Prue it wasn’t the first time she’d said her name.

Blinking slowly, Prue met her mother’s gaze. “What?”

“When was the last time you slept?”

“I sleep constantly. When I’m not training with you, I’m sleeping.”

Gaia’s frown only deepened. “You are wasting away, my darling. Tell me how I can help.”

“Bring my husband back.” The words left Prue’s mouth before she could stop herself. Her lips clamped shut, and her eyes closed briefly. “I’m sorry, I just…” She sighed. “I miss him. And I can’t force him to be who he was before. It will just take some adjusting, that’s all.”

Gaia was silent for a long moment. “Has he decided to leave you?” Her voice was quiet, almost gentle, which was rare for her.

“I don’t know,” Prue whispered. “I don’t think he’s decided yet.” Her eyes burned, and she dropped her gaze, instead focusing on the rich brown earth at her feet. Emotion welled up in her throat until she couldn’t breathe. “Goddess, I miss Mona.” Her voice was strained. At times like these, she always longed for her sister. They had shared everything together.

“She is alive,” Gaia said. “Don’t fear for her.”

Prue’s eyes flicked to Gaia. “How do you know?”

“A part of my soul is tethered to her, as it is to you. I know she is alive and unharmed, but that is all.”

Prue considered this. “What did you feel when she died? When she sacrificed herself to close that grimoire?”

A chilled silence fell between them. Prue tried not to think about the day Mona had given up her life to stop the dark magic from devouring their tiny island. It was why she had sought out Cyrus in the first place, why she had struck the bargain with him and bound them together—to bring Mona back.

“My powers were muted back then,” Gaia said. “But… I remember feeling a gaping emptiness. A hole that could not be filled. I thought for certain she could not return; that the sacrifice she had made would be permanent. I thought the powers binding that grimoire together would take her soul. But I was wrong.”

Prue nodded, remembering how adamant Gaia had been about keeping Mona’s soul where it was, lest her sacrifice be undone. Vasileios, Cyrus’s brother, had somehow managed to swap Mona’s soul with another to fulfill that sacrifice, stealing Mona for himself.

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